Best Dog Nutrition Guide – What to Feed Your Dog for Optimal Health

Last Updated: January 27, 2026, Published: January 27, 2026

Dog nutrition is the foundation of your dog’s health, energy, and longevity. I learned this when my Golden Retriever, Max, developed chronic ear infections and a dull coat. After switching to high-quality dog food tailored to his needs, his health transformed completely.

Understanding what to feed dogs can seem overwhelming, but the basics are simpler than you might think.

My Wake-Up Call About Dog Food

For Max’s first two years, I bought whatever dog food was on sale. I thought all dog food was basically the same.

Then came the health issues. Max scratched constantly. His ears smelled terrible despite regular cleaning. His coat looked dull and patchy.

A veterinary nutritionist asked, “What are you feeding him?” When I told her, she explained that dog nutrition affects everything from skin health to immune function. We created a new feeding plan, and within six weeks, Max’s transformation amazed me.

His coat became shiny. The ear infections stopped. His energy increased. That’s when I became passionate about understanding canine nutrition.

Understanding Essential Nutrients

Dogs need six essential nutrients for optimal health.

The Six Essential Nutrients

Nutrient	Function	Best Sources
Protein	Muscle development, tissue repair chicken	, beef, fish, lamb
Fats	Energy, skin/coat health	Salmon oil, chicken fat
Carbohydrates	Energy, digestive health	Sweet potatoes, brown rice, oats
Vitamins	Immune function, metabolism	Whole foods, vegetables
Minerals	Bone health, nerve function	Calcium, phosphorus, zinc
Water	All bodily functions	Fresh, clean water is constantly available

Protein is most critical. I look for foods listing specific meat as the first ingredient – “chicken,” not “poultry by-product.”

Fats provide essential omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. Max’s coat improved dramatically when I switched to food with salmon oil.

Carbohydrates aren’t essential but provide energy and fiber. I avoid foods with corn or wheat as primary ingredients.

Choosing the Right Dog Food

The pet food aisle overwhelms most people. Here’s how I evaluate what to feed dogs.

Reading Dog Food Labels

Key Label Components

• Ingredient list: Specific meats first (chicken, beef, salmon)
• Guaranteed analysis: Adequate protein (22%+ puppies, 18%+ adults)
• AAFCO statement: Ensures complete, balanced nutrition
• Feeding guidelines: Clear portions by weight

Quality Indicators

• First 5 ingredients include multiple protein sources
• Whole foods (sweet potatoes, not potato starch)
• Identifiable fats (chicken fat, not animal fat)
• Natural preservatives (vitamin E, not BHA/BHT)

Types of Dog Food

Dry Kibble
Affordable, convenient, long shelf life. This is Max’s primary food – high-quality, grain-free kibble.

Wet/Canned Food
Higher moisture, more palatable. I add a spoonful to Max’s kibble occasionally for variety.

Raw Diet
Minimal processing, but expensive, time-consuming, and has food safety concerns. I decided against it.

Homemade Diet
Complete control but requires a veterinary nutritionist’s guidance to avoid nutritional imbalances.

Dog Nutrition by Life Stage

What to feed dogs changes dramatically as they age.

Puppy Nutrition (0-12 Months)

Puppies need more nutrients to support rapid growth.

Puppy Requirements

• Protein: 22-32% minimum
• Fat: 8-20%
• DHA for brain development
• Controlled calcium (especially large breeds)
• 2x adult calories per pound

Feeding Schedule

• 8-12 weeks: 4 meals daily
• 3-6 months: 3 meals daily
• 6-12 months: 2 meals daily

Large breed puppies need specially formulated food with controlled calcium to prevent developmental bone disease.

Adult Dog Nutrition (1-7 Years)

Adult dog nutrition focuses on maintenance.

Activity Level Matters

Activity Level	Daily Calories (per pound)
Sedentary	20-25 calories
Moderate	25-35 calories
Very active	35-50+ calories

Max is moderately active, so I feed him about 30 calories per pound of ideal body weight.

Most adult dogs do well with 2 meals daily.

Senior Dog Nutrition (7+ Years)

At age 10, Max transitioned to senior food.

Senior Adjustments

• Lower calories (metabolism slows)
• Higher fibre (digestive health)
• Joint support (glucosamine, chondroitin)
• Antioxidants (immune and cognitive health)
• Higher quality protein (easier digestion)
• Lower phosphorus (kidney health)

Safe and Toxic Foods

Safe Human Foods

Proteins – Plain cooked chicken, turkey, beef, eggs, fish
Fruits – Apples (no seeds), blueberries, watermelon, bananas
Vegetables – Carrots, green beans, sweet potatoes, broccoli, pumpkin

I use these as training treats and meal toppers. Max loves frozen blueberries on hot days.

Never Feed These

Life-Threatening Foods

Food	Danger	Symptoms
Chocolate	Theobromine toxicity	Vomiting, seizures, death
Grapes/raisins	Kidney failure	Lethargy, kidney shutdown
Onions/garlic	Red blood cell damage	Weaknesses, breathing issues
Xylitol	Liver failure	Collapse, seizures, death
Macadamia nuts	Toxicity	Weakness, tremors
Avocado	Persin toxicity	Vomiting, diarrhea

Also avoid –  Raw dough, coffee, fatty foods, cooked bones, corn cobs, fruit pits.

Special Dietary Needs

Food Allergies

Max has food sensitivities that took months to identify.

Common Allergens: Beef, dairy, wheat, chicken, eggs, soy, corn

Symptoms

• Chronic ear infections (Max’s primary symptom)
• Itchy skin and excessive scratching
• Hot spots
• Digestive issues
• Excessive licking (especially paws)

Elimination Diet – Work with your vet on an 8-12 week process using a novel protein. We discovered Max is sensitive to chicken and beef. He now eats salmon-based food exclusively.

Weight Management

I let Max gain 15 pounds in his middle years. Losing it took eight months.

Weight Loss Strategy –

• Measure all food precisely (use a digital scale)
• Choose low-calorie, high-fibre food
• Reduce treats to 10% of daily calories
• Increase exercise gradually (see our dog exercise guide)
• Weekly weigh-ins

Healthy Treats –Baby carrots (3 calories each), green beans, apple slices, plain popcorn, ice cubes.

Feeding Guidelines and Portion Control

My Feeding Formula:
Ideal body weight × calories per pound (based on activity) = daily calories needed

For Max: 75 pounds × 30 calories = 2,250 calories daily

Then divide by calories per cup in his food to determine portions.

Feeding Schedule

Schedule	Best For
Twice daily	Most adult dogs (prevent bloat, stable energy)
Three times daily	Puppies, small breeds, diabetic dogs

I feed Max at 7 AM and 6 PM daily. Consistency helps digestion and prevents begging.

Limit treats to a small portion—ideally no more than one-tenth of your dog’s daily calorie intake. I deduct treat calories from Max’s meal portions.

Hydration Needs

Water is the most important nutrient. Dogs need approximately 1 ounce per pound of body weight daily.

Max weighs 75 pounds, so I ensure 75 ounces (about 9 cups) are available daily.

Hydration Tips –

• Multiple water bowls throughout the house
• Fresh water twice daily minimum
• Clean bowls daily
• Add ice cubes in the summer
• Consider water fountains

Supplements

Quality dog food should provide complete nutrition, but some dogs benefit from supplements.

Supplements I Use for Max –

• Joint support – Glucosamine, chondroitin, MSM, omega-3s (improved mobility)
• Probiotics – Support digestive health and immune function
• Omega-3 fatty acids –  Reduce inflammation, support skin and coat

Always consult your vet before adding supplements.

Transitioning Between Foods

Switching dog food abruptly causes digestive upset.

Proper 7-10 Day Transition:

Days	Old Food	New Food
1-2	75%	25%
3-4	50%	50%
5-6	25%	75%
7+	0%	100%

Extend to 14 days if your dog has a sensitive stomach.

Key Takeaways

• Dog nutrition is the foundation of overall health, affecting coat quality, energy, and immune function
•  Choose dog food with high-quality animal protein first, and AAFCO certification
•   What to feed dogs varies by life stage – puppies, adults, and seniors have different needs
•  Measure portions precisely and maintain consistent feeding schedules
•  Many human foods are toxic – keep chocolate, grapes, onions, garlic, and xylitol away from dogs
•  Food allergies often show skin and ear issues, not just digestive problems
•  Transition between foods gradually over 7-10 days
•  Fresh water must be available constantly
•  Quality food costs more upfront, but reduces veterinary expenses long-term

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the healthiest food to feed my dog?

The healthiest dog food contains high-quality animal protein as the primary ingredient, balanced fats, digestible carbohydrates, and essential vitamins and minerals. Look for AAFCO certification.

The best food depends on your dog’s age, breed, activity level, and health conditions. Max thrives on salmon-based, grain-free kibble. Key quality indicators include named meat protein first (chicken, not “meat meal”), whole food ingredients, and no artificial preservatives.

How much should I feed my dog daily?

Dog food quantity depends on ideal weight, activity level, age, and the food’s caloric density.

Formula: Ideal body weight × 25-35 calories per pound = daily calorie needs

Activity adjustments: sedentary (20-25 cal/lb), moderate (25-35 cal/lb), very active (35-50+ cal/lb).

Monitor your dog’s body condition and adjust portions. With gentle pressure, you should be able to feel your dog’s ribs without them being clearly visible.

Can I feed my dog human food?

Yes, some human foods are safe in moderation. Safe options include cooked lean meats, eggs, carrots, green beans, sweet potatoes, blueberries, and apples (no seeds).

Never feed chocolate, grapes, onions, garlic, xylitol, fatty foods, or cooked bones. When offering human food, ensure it’s less than 10% of daily calories.

What are the signs that my dog’s food isn’t right for them?

Dog food allergies or poor nutrition show as chronic ear infections, itchy skin, dull coat, digestive issues, excessive gas, hot spots, low energy, or excessive licking.

After switching Max to salmon-based food, his ear infections stopped, his coat became shiny, and his energy increased. The right food makes a dramatic difference. Consult your veterinarian before changing foods.

Should I feed my dog grain-free food?

Grain-free dog food isn’t necessary for all dogs. Only dogs with diagnosed grain allergies need it. Some grain-free diets high in peas and lentils have been linked to heart issues (DCM).

Max eats grain-free because he has wheat and corn sensitivities. Many dogs thrive on quality foods with grains like brown rice and oats. Quality matters more than grain-free status. Consult your veterinarian about the best choice.

Final Thoughts

Transforming Max’s health through improved dog nutrition was one of my best decisions as a dog owner. The difference between low-quality and high-quality dog food is dramatic.

Yes, premium food costs more. But watching Max thrive at 12 years old makes every penny worthwhile.

Start by reading your current food’s ingredient list. If meat isn’t the first ingredient, consider upgrading. Minor improvements compound into significant health benefits.

Medical Disclaimer: I am not a veterinarian, and this content does not replace professional veterinary advice. What I share comes from real-life experience as a dog owner, extensive research, and consultation with veterinary nutritionists. Always consult qualified veterinarians for dietary recommendations specific to your dog’s health needs. Visit our complete dog health guide.

References

American Kennel Club (AKC)
“Dog Nutrition and Feeding Guidelines”
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/nutrition/

Tufts University Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine
“Clinical Nutrition Resources”
https://vetnutrition.tufts.edu/